Design Indaba Emerging Creative: Robyn Agulhas

INTERVIEWED BY Lindi Brownell Meiring IMAGES courtesy of Robyn Agulhas

Design Indaba and the Department of Arts and Culture celebrated 16 years of the Emerging Creatives programme earlier this year, which gives 50 talented young designers a chance to show their work at the event. We caught up with streetwear designer Robyn Agulhas.

What do you love most about being a designer?

It has taken me a long time to discover my creativity and to find what I’m truly passionate about. I had doubts about my ability for so many years, even though I’ve always known that I loved fashion. Every time I design, I do it with my whole heart. To me, it’s not just clothes; it’s the story of the collection. I’m grateful that I have the ability to create from what inspires me, and to see my ideas come to life.

Describe your designs in three words.

Tech-wear, detailed, different. What do you want to convey through your designs? My graduate collection conveys a message of how attached we are to our devices, and what the future of fashion could possibly look like if we had technology fitted into our everyday wear. Through my designs, I also want to convey the quality and attention to detail found in locally made clothing.

Biggest inspiration?

My friends and family. I love to see them grow and do what they love. From really creative friends in music, art, design, modelling and film to those who are in the corporate environment and absolutely own what they do, they all inspire me to keep pushing and keep doing what I love. My mom is also a huge inspiration – thanks to her, I’ve seen what determination and hard work look like.

Do you have any upcoming plans you can share with us?

I’m currently freelancing in the film industry as an assistant stylist, but I would love to push my brand sinCHUI, and collaborate with people in the worlds of art and music. I’m not too sure what the future holds for me, but I’m ready for anything that is meant to be. I’ll continue to create and put in the hard work.

See more of Robyn’s work on Instagram.